Methods and apparatus for automatically determining a call service request in a first communications device and for signalling the call service request determination to a second communications device. The second communications device can apply the service to the call based on the type of call service request. The methods and apparatus of the invention utilize predefined call criterion to make a determination of the call service request. The call criterion may, for example, be selected from called number, calling number, time of day, day of week, and date. An exemplary protocol and message encoding are disclosed.